When Marlon Brando wins an Oscar in 1973, he sends indigenous activist Sacheen Littlefeather on stage to reject the award. The then 27-year-old was booed for her performance. Now she's getting an official apology from the Academy.
After nearly 50 years, indigenous activist Sacheen Littlefeather has received an apology from the Oscar Academy in a letter. Littlefeather had been sent on stage by Hollywood star Marlon Brando at the 1973 awards ceremony with a message to refuse the award he had won for his leading role in The Godfather. There she read a message from the actor, in which he pointed out the stereotypes of Native Americans in the entertainment industry, as well as the 1973 protest at Wounded Knee in South Dakota. She was partially booed by the audience.
In the letter, which was written in mid-June and has now been published, then-President of the Academy, David Rubin, writes: "The abuse you have suffered because of this statement was unjustified and unwarranted. The emotional burden you have endured and the cost of your career in our industry is beyond repair." Littlefeather's "courage" has gone unrecognized for far too long. "We sincerely apologize for this and at the same time express our sincere admiration."
In a statement, Littlefeather was pleased. It was "deeply encouraging to see how much has changed since I didn't accept the Oscar 50 years ago," said the 75-year-old. "As for the Academy's apology, we Indians are very patient people, it was only 50 years ago." Her "survival strategy" is to "always keep our sense of humor about it".
In the past, the activist and actress has spoken out about the amount of hate she's faced as a result of her speech. According to this, western star John Wayne is said to have stayed backstage at the Oscars and got angry about her performance. He is said to have tried to physically attack her. Six security guards should have held him back.
